Santosh Trophy winning Bengal team arrives to Kolkata in rousing reception

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Santosh Trophy champion Bengal team at Kolkata Airport | Image: XtraTime

Kolkata: After having a brilliant performance to clinch the historic Santosh Trophy for the record 32nd time, Team West Bengal returned back to Kolkata Airport today with a rousing reception from the fans, the parents, relatives and the neighbours of the players. The IFA President Subrata Dutta, Secretary Utpal Ganguly, Honourable Minister Laxmi Ratan Shukla and the other dignitaries were present at the airport to receive the champions. Southern Samity came with band parties as they had five players in the Santosh Trophy winning squad. The airport premises saw people, media and police jostling with each other in utmost excitement to get close to the heroes. Coach Mridul Banerjee too seemed overwhelmed to such a crazy reception. He said, “This excitement proves that I was correct to take up the job of the Bengal coach. The excitement proves once again that Bengal football is still alive. Nobody plays by granting it that they would be champions. I had the faith on my boys. I’m really happy. Goutam Sarkar, Shabbir Ali, Sanjoy Sen, The IFA Secretary, everyone congratulated me.”

The Bengal coach also mentioned that it might not be his biggest success but certainly a title to remember. He said, “This might not be the biggest succest, but certainly a one to remember. Wherever I do my job, I always try to give my best. This one is no exception”.

The hero of the final Manbir Singh said, “It wasn’t a wrong decision to come and play in Kolkata. I’m overwhelmed. I wanna dedicate this title to my dad who sent me to play here. But my ultimate goal is to play for India.”

Goalkeeper Shankar Roy was greeted by his neighbours and parents at the airport. He said, “It’s a great feeling. This is perhaps the way football changes one’s life.”

The best striker of the tournament Basant Singh said, “My chemistry with Mridul has always been good. That helps us a lot to work with.” Captain Rana Gharami too got his reward for his consistent performances as two Goan clubs have already approached him to play for them. Pravat Lakra was understandably the best defender of the competition. He said, “It’s a dream come true. But I’m happier to help my team to become champions.”